Category: English

Source: APO

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The annual Eritrean community festival in the Scandinavian countries—Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland—commenced yesterday in Stockholm with patriotic zeal. The festival, which is being attended by a number of nationals from various European countries, America, and elsewhere, was officially opened by Mr. Fesehatsion Petros, Eritrea’s non-resident Ambassador to the Scandinavian countries.

Mr. Alem Teklegergis, Chairman of the Holidays Coordinating Committee, said that Eritrean festivals, beyond being public gatherings, make a significant contribution in strengthening unity and attachment to the homeland, as well as in nurturing nationalism and noble societal values.

Indicating that the Eritrean festival in the Scandinavian countries plays a vital role in preserving national values, Mr. Alem added that the successful implementation of the festivals attests to the strong and committed participation of nationals and the effective organization of the community.

The festival, which will continue until 27 July, features seminars, a photo exhibition depicting national development programs and the activities of the Eritrean community in the Scandinavian countries, children’s and youth programs, exhibitions by villages representing Eritrean ethnic groups and national organizations, as well as cultural and artistic performances by a cultural troupe from Eritrea.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a meeting between the National executive and the Northern Cape Provincial Executive. 

The meeting, held under the theme “Unlocking the Northern Cape potential as a modern, growing and successful province”, was the sixth formal engagement that the national executive had with a provincial executive.  

The meeting was also joined by Executive Mayors.  

Previous sessions include meetings with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and most recently, the Eastern Cape. 

These sessions have resulted in strengthening cooperative governance, breaking down silos and cooperative project planning that leads to collaborative execution.  

As President Ramaphosa said during the Budget Debate last week, when the three spheres of government work together, the lives of the people of South Africa are improved.

It is envisaged that the National Executive would have met with the leadership of the remaining provinces over the next few months.  

The President emphasised the importance of structured engagements between the national and provincial executives that assist government coordinate more efficiently, resolve challenges together and to plan smarter. 

The meetings are also meant to facilitate innovative ideas and proposals to address service delivery and skills   challenges.  

The meeting discussed the ongoing roll out of catalytic economic development projects that require the deepening of cooperation between the national and provincial governments. 

These include the Boegoebaai Harbor and SEZ development, revitalisation and expansion of Vaalharts, Namakwa SEZ and the development of the infrastructure masterplan.  

The meeting further affirmed closer cooperation on issues of climate change mitigation considering the province’s vulnerability to erratic weather conditions. 

The national executive pledged to continue working closely with the province in areas of Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure development, Human Settlements, Tourism and Energy and Electricity.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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Seminars organized by the Eritrean national committees in Kassel and Munich focusing on enhancing awareness on national issues and consular services were conducted on 13 and 21 July.

At the seminars, Mr. Teame Haile, Head of Public and Community Affairs, provided a detailed briefing on the sovereignty and legitimacy of Eritrea. He stated that Eritrea possesses clear and internationally recognized land, air, and sea borders that will never be compromised. He also called on nationals to strengthen their unity and active participation in national affairs.

Mr. Kibreab Tekeste, Eritrea’s Consul General in Germany, gave an extensive briefing on the objectives and procedures of consular services and called on nationals to fully understand and adhere to the guidelines and regulations.

A similar seminar was also conducted for nationals in the city of Wetter in Germany. At the seminar, Mr. Fitsum Sahle, coordinator of the national committee, and Mr. Medhanie Tesf’alem, member of the Promotion and Information Committee, gave briefings on the Afambo Boarding School project as well as on the progress of education in Eritrea.

In related news, Mr. Humed Yahya, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Kuwait, conducted a seminar for nationals on the current situation in the homeland, as well as regional and global developments.

At the seminar, Mr. Humed provided an extensive briefing on the progress of national development programs and the active participation of nationals both inside the country and abroad.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

On 18 July 2025, H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the book of condolences for the passing of H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bangkok. The Vice Minister was received by Mr. Richard Aladetoyinbo, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Thailand.

The Chargé d’Affaires expressed his sincere gratitude to this kind gesture, which reflects cordial relations between the Thailand and Nigeria. Both sides also took this opportunity to discuss further enhancement of bilateral cooperations between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Source: APO

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Today the Council adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Djibouti Armed Forces.

This first measure benefitting Djibouti is worth €10 million and aims to strengthen the defence capacities of the Djibouti Armed Forces to safeguard the sovereignty and rights of Djibouti in accordance with the United Nation Convention Law of the Sea and to strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea. 

The assistance measure is expected to enhance the Djiboutian Navy’s operational readiness by contributing to:

• the development and maintenance of assets to deliver full operational capabilities over the long term
• increased maritime domain awareness
• enhanced presence at sea

Today’s decision is in line with the EU’s objective to provide an integrated and coherent response to the increased insecurity in the Red Sea and secure EU interests at this critical maritime chokepoint.

In this regard, EPF support will strengthen Djibouti’s potential with respect to maritime domain awareness, complementing EU Common Security and Defence Policy operations in the Red Sea.

Background and next steps

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Council of the European Union.

Source: APO

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• The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded today the 2025 Article IV consultation with Equatorial Guinea. IMF Management approved in June the combined first and second reviews under the Staff Monitored Program (SMP) and a 12 month SMP extension.
• Equatorial Guinea registered a mild economic recovery in 2024, but the economy is projected to grow weakly and a drain on regional reserves is expected to continue in the medium term as hydrocarbon production declines. The banking sector is showing clear signs of improvement.
• Performance under the program has been strong, with significant reforms implemented and a substantial fiscal adjustment that met the SMP conditionality. However, contrary to longstanding commitments, the authorities decided not to publish asset declarations of public officials. The program extension will provide the authorities with an opportunity to complete an alternative governance reform measure aimed at strengthening transparency in the extractive sector.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Equatorial Guinea.[1] IMF Management approved the completion of the first and second reviews and a 12-month extension of the Staff Monitored Program (SMP) for Equatorial Guinea on June 25, 2025. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

Equatorial Guinea registered a mild economic recovery in 2024, growing by 0.9 percent following a strong contraction in 2023. However, non-hydrocarbon GDP growth slowed in 2024 to 1.3 percent, and the economy is expected to grow only modestly in the medium term as hydrocarbon production declines. Inflationary pressures have persisted, with inflation increasing from 2.5 percent in 2023 to 3.4 percent in 2024.

The banking sector showed clear signs of improvement in 2024 but remains undercapitalized. The average capital adequacy ratio of the system is marginally below the regulatory minimum, but substantially higher than at the end of 2022.

The authorities’ substantial fiscal adjustment in 2024 improved the non-hydrocarbon primary balance from -22.3 percent of non-hydrocarbon GDP in 2023 to -17.0 percent in 2024. Public debt decreased from 39.1 percent to 36.4 percent of GDP. Equatorial Guinea’s contribution to foreign reserves at the regional central bank remained negative in 2024, following a reserve loss in 2023. The authorities planned further fiscal adjustment will aim to keep public debt below 50 percent of GDP despite the projected decline in hydrocarbon revenues and restore external balance in the medium term.

The authorities have implemented substantial reforms over the past year in the context of the SMP. The significant fiscal adjustment in 2024 helped initiate stabilization of the public debt dynamics and restoration of external balance. They enacted a new tax law that broadens the tax base, prepared a plan to phase out fuel subsidies, began making payments under a new arrears clearance strategy and reformed the customs administration. The authorities took concrete steps toward restoring the health of the financial sector. In an effort to improve governance and transparency, they also developed an AML/CFT strategy and published contracts in the extractive sector and an audit of spending following the accidental explosions in Bata in 2021.

The authorities’ policies have allowed them to meet almost all of the SMP’s quantitative conditionality as well as complete actions related to most of their structural reform program commitments in the areas of governance, financial sector development and structural fiscal policy. The authorities missed two structural benchmarks following their decision not to publish the asset declarations of public officials. The 12-month SMP extension will afford the authorities the opportunity to complete an alternative governance reform measure – the publication of an extractive industry transparency report in line with EITI standards – while continuing to implement their broader reform agenda.

Executive Board Assessment[3]

Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. Directors welcomed the authorities’ progress on their reform agenda under the Staff‑Monitored Program, noting its 12‑month extension. They stressed, however, that the macroeconomic environment remains challenging, particularly because of the continued decline in hydrocarbon production that is placing sustained pressure on fiscal and external balances. Directors urged steadfast reform implementation going forward, particularly to address long‑standing and serious governance challenges, which would help economic diversification and lay the foundation for private sector‑led, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

Directors welcomed the authorities’ decision to anchor public debt to preserve debt sustainability and restore external balance. They emphasized that this will require a gradual and sustained fiscal adjustment in the face of declining hydrocarbon revenues. Directors welcomed the commitment to achieving the 2025 budget and stressed the need for continued efforts to mobilize domestic non‑hydrocarbon revenues and strengthen fiscal institutions. Improving public financial management remains essential. Directors called for ambitious social spending reform to improve social outcomes and boost human capital development. They stressed the importance of approving the social protection law to enable the building of comprehensive social safety nets.

Directors commended the progress made toward restoring the health of the financial sector—including the completion of the audit of the systemic public bank and the creation of an arrears clearance strategy—but noted that vulnerabilities remain. Directors highlighted the importance of obtaining approval from the regional banking supervisor for the arrears clearance plan, further strengthening private banks’ balance sheets, and implementing the financial inclusion strategy.

Directors urged the authorities to redouble their efforts to substantially improve transparency and governance. They regretted the authorities’ decision to step back from the long‑standing commitment to publish asset declarations of public officials, and many Directors urged the authorities to reconsider this option. Directors considered that the publication of an annual report on financial flows in the extractive sector could help demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to address their governance deficit. They recommended further governance reforms to address issues highlighted in the 2019 governance diagnostic, including implementing the AML/CFT strategy. A predictable and transparent business environment with reliable and efficient application of laws is needed to create a level playing field that would attract domestic and foreign investment.

It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Equatorial Guinea will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle.

Table 1. Equatorial Guinea: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2024–26

Estimates Projections 2024 2025 2026 (Annual percentage change, unless otherwise specified) Production, prices, and money Real GDP 0.9 -1.6 0.5 Hydrocarbon GDP1 0.4 -6.4 -2.6 Non-hydrocarbon GDP 1.3 2.3 2.8 GDP deflator 2.5 3.0 1.0 Consumer prices (annual average) 3.4 2.9 2.9 Consumer prices (end of period) 3.4 2.9 3.5 Monetary and exchange rate Broad money 2.6 2.7 2.9 Nominal effective exchange rate (- = depreciation)        … … … External sector Exports, f.o.b. -7.1 1.6 -8.7 Hydrocarbon exports -8.4 1.7 -10.2 Non-hydrocarbon exports 2.6 1.8 1.0 Imports, f.o.b. -8.9 2.2 -1.9 Government finance Revenue -14.3 0.7 -5.0 Expenditure -0.7 4.9 -1.3 (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise specified) Government finance Revenue 17.9 17.8 16.7 Hydrocarbon revenue 14.5 14.3 13.0 Non-hydrocarbon revenue 3.4 3.5 3.7 Expenditure 18.5 19.1 18.6 Overall fiscal balance (Commitment basis) -0.6 -1.3 -1.9 Overall fiscal balance (Cash basis) -1.0 -2.0 -2.6 Non-hydrocarbon primary balance2 -11.7 -12.6 -12.3 Non-hydrocarbon primary balance (as percent of non-hydrocarbon GDP) -17.0 -17.4 -16.4 Change in domestic arrears -0.3 -0.7 -0.7 External sector Current account balance (including official transfers; – = deficit) -3.2 -3.3 -4.5 Imputed Foreign Reserves (net), US$billion 0.4 0.4 0.2 Debt Total public debt 36.4 37.0 38.4 Domestic debt 28.7 28.0 27.9 External debt 7.8 9.0 10.5 External debt service-to-exports ratio (percent) 6.2 5.7 6.2 External debt service/government revenue (percent) 7.9 7.4 7.7 Memorandum items Oil price (U.S. dollars a barrel)3 79.9 67.7 63.3 Nominal GDP (billions of CFA francs) 7,740 7,846 7,959 Nominal GDP (millions of US dollars) 12,769 12,881 13,138 Hydrocarbon GDP (billions of CFA francs) 2,401 2,193 1,971 Non-hydrocarbon GDP (billions of CFA francs) 5,340 5,653 5,987 Government deposits (in percent of GDP) 17.7 17.5 17.2 Oil volume (crude and condensado, millions of barrels) 29.1 26.8 25.1 Gas volume4 (millions of bbls oil equivalent) 51.8 49.2 49.5 Total Hydrocarbon Volume (in millions of barrels of oil equivalent) 81.0 76.0 74.7 Exchange rate (average; CFA francs/U.S. dollar) 606.2 … … Sources: Data provided by the Equatoguinean authorities; and staff estimates and projections. 1 Including oil, LNG, LPG, butane, propane, and methanol. 2 Excluding hydrocarbon revenues, hydrocarbon expenditures, and interest earned and paid. 3 The reference price for crude oil is the Brent. 4 Includes LNG, propane, butane and methanol.

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio today presided over the official swearing-in ceremony of two newly appointed Deputy Ministers: Mr. David Fortune, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, and Mr. Paul Hingha Augustine Charles Tucker, Deputy Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation. The ceremony was held pursuant to Section 57 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which mandates that Minister or Deputy Minister shall take and subscribe the oath before for the execution of officials must take an oath before entering upon the duties of office.

Declaring the purpose of the ceremony, Secretary to the President, Mr. Barba Brima Fortune, explained that following the President’s nomination and the completion of parliamentary vetting, the two appointees had been duly approved by the Parliament of Sierra Leone.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in officials, Mr. Paul Hingha Augustine Charles Tucker expressed deep gratitude to President Bio for entrusting them with the opportunity to serve the nation.

“We pledge to fully support our supervising ministers in implementing your administration’s governance policy objectives and in consolidating the progress already made. We are mindful that this appointment is not merely an achievement but a call to confront complex challenges, and we are committed to meeting that responsibility with diligence,” he affirmed.

In his statement, President Julius Maada Bio congratulated the two Deputy Ministers and acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with their appointments.

“You are taking up your roles at a time when we are confronted with several challenges, including resource constraints largely driven by global geopolitical tensions. However, I urge you to inject fresh ideas and adopt innovative approaches that can thrive within our local ecosystem,” the President advised.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

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On July 25, Ambassador GAO Wenqi visited the C&D Products Group. The company executives gave a briefing on the company’s production, operations, and development, as well as the working and living conditions of its employees. Ambassador GAO encouraged the company to adhere to safe production and compliant operation, and take good care of its employees, so as to actively fulfill its social responsibilities and set up a good image for Chinese enterprises. He also asked the company to actively take part in and contribute to Rwanda’s economic and social development, and promote China-Rwanda relations.

Specializing in apparel manufacturing and export, C&D was established in Rwanda in 2019. It has created over 7,000 jobs for local communities. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

Source: APO

Officially opened on May 23, 2025, the new Odienné camp is planned to house a specialized military engineering unit, responsible for important missions such as the creation of infrastructure, assistance with military missions, and contribution to civil-military activities. “This camp will actively participate in local development through the construction of bridges, roads, public buildings, and humanitarian actions,” says surveyor Serges Arnaud Bilé.

This structure underscores the State’s desire to renew its commitment to protecting citizens, ensuring security, and encouraging balanced development in adjacent territories. Its opening is ultimately part of a national dynamic aimed at modernizing and strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FACI).

“Since Odienné is a border area, this camp strengthens the strategic presence of the armed forces in the North. It will improve the army’s operational and logistical capabilities, address security challenges, and ensure the country’s stability,” says teacher Bertrand Singo Tia.

Much more than just a military installation, the Odienné Engineering Camp fosters collaboration between the armed forces and local populations in a spirit of unity. It also constitutes an essential lever for the economic and social development of the Denguélé region. “This camp will offer new training and employment opportunities for residents and will facilitate the construction of civilian infrastructure thanks to the skills of the Engineering units,” said Cissé Aboubakar, an Odiénné official.

The inauguration of this military center enabled the acquisition and delivery of more than 150 heavy machines and specialized vehicles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Source: APO

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Ms. Maryam Bukar Hassan of Nigeria was today officially designated as the United Nations’ Global Advocate for Peace. A renowned spoken word artist, poet, and peace advocate, Ms. Bukar uses the power of poetry and performance to champion gender equality, youth empowerment and inclusive peacebuilding.

Ms. Bukar has showcased her work on prestigious platforms including the UN SDG Awards, TED Talks and the World Bank Youth Summit. She has collaborated with the UN on initiatives such as the “Peace Begins With Me” poetry video for the International Day of Peace and her impactful spoken word performance at last year’s Summit of the Future.

Her dedication has earned her accolades such as the Sustainable Africa Award at COP28 and finalist recognition for the 2024 UN SDG Creativity Award.

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, highlighted the significance of her designation, stating that “the dedication of the Global Advocate’s time and energy to this effort will greatly increase awareness of the peace and security priorities of the United Nations, particularly the vital role of women and youth in advancing inclusive and sustainable peace.”

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo also welcomed the designation, noting that “art has the power to move hearts, inspire action, and bring communities together. Through her compelling words and performances, Ms. Bukar has shown how creativity can be a force for peacebuilding, dialogue and inclusion. Her voice will be an important partner in amplifying the UN’s efforts to advance political solutions, empower young people and women, and sustain peace.”

In her new role as the first Global Advocate for the entire Peace and Security Pillar, Ms. Bukar will advance the UN’s peace efforts including through the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas, through storytelling, digital engagement, and public speaking. She will participate in key UN campaigns and events, including an upcoming performance at New York City’s SummerStage festival on Sunday, 27 July, alongside renowned artists Femi Kuti and Elida Almeida, among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Peacekeeping.